Deeper, Further, and Higher with God - Stuart Sneddon
Philippians 3:12-13 ESV
Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
I am not sure how 2023 went for you. Maybe it was amazing or maybe it was a slog. It might have been your first year as a christian or maybe you have walked knowing Jesus as your saviour for many years.
However 2023 was for you, God wants you to go deeper, further and higher with Him in 2024!
Deeper: God wants you to draw deeper in your relationship with Him. James 4:8 says to draw near to God and He will draw near to you. God wants to spend time with you but He also wants you to want to spend time with Him. God wants to be closer to you in 2024 but He also wants more fruit from you in 2024. In John 15:5 Jesus talks about our closeness with Him and how with this closeness we "bear much fruit".
Further: What dream has God put on your heart? What did God ask you to do in 2023? Did you step out into a new area? If so, then well done on dreaming, well done on listening and well done on being brave to take the step of faith. Now in 2024 "press on" Philippians 3:12-13. God wants you to continue to run the race! Now the thing about running a race is you don't stay in the same place. The longer you are in the race, the further you go.
So that dream, God wants to make a reality. That prompting, God wants to make a happening. And that thing you started, He wants to propel you.
Higher: So in 2024 get closer to God and go further with Him and this will help you to succeed and take you higher, wherever 2023 has left you. Genesis 39:2 & 21 both say the Lord was with Joseph and He showed favour to him. Due to this Joseph prospered where he was and moved higher up in position. So whether you are unemployed, the cleaner in a company, middle management or the CEO, God wants to be with you and show you favour.
So let's be people that go deeper, higher and further with God in 2024!